THE BENCHMARK RETURNS: The tagline for the new GTI (as it is known now) reads: “Often copied. Never equalled.” Well, the first bit is certainly true (especially among its generations) while the second part ignores current French and US offerings – such as the Renault Megane RS and Ford Focus ST.

CONSERVATIVE DESIGN: When it comes to Golf, the word “boring” tends to crop up time and time again due to its design. Unsurprisingly VW has aimed for evolutionary over revolutionary. As seen in the transition from Golf 6 to 7, subtlety is the order of the day. To help set it apart from its more sedate sibling, the model receives (a few) restrained styling tweaks. Most of the work went into its performance.

SPORTY STYLING: At the front there's a reinterpretation of the first GTi’s radiator grille. Another great touch is the Audi R8-esque fins dividing the LED fog lights. Shuffle to the rear and you’ll find a spoiler, tinted diodes and chromed exhausts. It’s nothing too radical, though it’s sporty enough to be instantly recognisable as a GTI. Given how many GTI’s leave VW’s showrooms monthly, it seems “boring” (read: conservative) designs are exactly what the local market is clamoring for.

ENGINE: The model is powered by a two-litre turbocharged engine delivering 162kW/350Nm. The GTI is equipped with a stop/start system and the engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. Combined fuel consumption is rated at six litres/100km with emissions of 139g/km. Equipped with a six-speed direct shift transmission (DSG), fuel consumption increases to 6.4 litres/100km with an emissions rating of 148g/km CO2.

BEHIND THE WHEEL: So what it’s like to drive? In short – a grin-inducing, speech-robbing barrel of fun. The engine allows for smooth power delivery and effortless speed while its electronic stability control (ESC) provides jaw-droppingly good handling characteristics.

PERFORMANCE EDITION: South African fans of new GTI will be pleased to hear Schafer say the Performance Edition will come to SA by 2014. "Some testing still remains but we know our customers want it and we have pushed to bring it here."

ST VS GTI: The GTI faces off against the likes of the Opel Astra OPC, Megane RS and the Focus ST. By VW’s own admission, the Focus ST is its biggest rival. VW's product marketing manager, Hein Schafer, said: “We feel we have a complete package to offer, with plenty of features and tech.” In terms of performance, the ST has more power but is less frugal (7.2 litres/100km) and has greater carbon emissions (169g/km).

OVERALL: Gone are the days when the GTI was the obvious choice for a hot hatch in SA. Bar the third generation, the new range is a competent, though expensive, contender. Whether it needs to be taken seriously around a track or being chucked about on a spirited drive on the open road, the GTI is a vehicle that can perform any task it’s given brilliantly.

INSIDE: The cabin benefits from leather sport seats, steering-wheel (shift pedals for the DS) and stitching. As befits its hot-hatch status, the instrument cluster has a unique graphic display, red ambience lighting and stainless-steel sill guards and pedals. Purists will be pleased to see the “golf ball” gear know has returned after missing the sixth generation.

CREATURE COMFORTS: Standard kit includes progressive steering, fatigue detection system, automatic multi-collision braking and an electronic differential. Optional features include dynamic chassis control with a driver-selected drive choice. An optional 400W Dynaudio sound system can be ordered.

PRACTICAL HATCH: Despite its focus on performance, the GTI retains the Golf’s practicality. The rear bench can fold (60/40) and provides cargo length of 1.5m. Boot capacity is 380 litres.

VERSATILE HOT HATCH: Even though it's down on power against its rivals, it can perform on circuits or out on country roads, making it one of the most versatile hot hatches on our roads.

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